Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can't. He's the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can't solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter.

Here's a case I've been mulling for a few days. It involves a highly-rated bed and breakfast, a loyal customer and an unwelcome change.

The inn’s owners are out — why won’t they waive my cancellation penalty?

January 22, 2024July 9, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Here’s a case I’ve been mulling for a few days. It involves a highly-rated bed and breakfast, a loyal customer and an unwelcome change.

Timing was never the TSA's thing. Checking our shoes for explosives only after Richard Reid tried to blow up a plane with his footwear.

Who’s afraid of a bomb-making barista?

January 22, 2024July 8, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Timing was never the TSA’s thing.

It happened just after sunrise, as we navigated a narrow two-lane highway between Santa Fe and Santa Rosa, N.M., in our family sedan.

What happened to the great American road trip?

January 22, 2024July 7, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

It happened just after sunrise a few weeks ago, as we navigated a narrow two-lane highway between Santa Fe and Santa Rosa, N.M., in our family sedan.

The surcharge seemed like nothing to Andy Fixman -- a "trivial amount" he says. But it meant everything to him.

Where does the clever hotel wordplay cross the line?

January 22, 2024July 5, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

The surcharged seemed like nothing to Andy Fixman — a “trivial amount” he says. But it meant everything to him.

It's a six-hour flight from Honolulu to Phoenix, so when a US Airways agent offered Blair Fell an upgrade to first class for just $350.

Worst upgrade ever — how about a refund?

January 22, 2024July 3, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

It’s a six-hour flight from Honolulu to Phoenix, so when a US Airways agent offered Blair Fell an upgrade to first class for just $350, he jumped at the opportunity.

DeLucia recently checked into the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Copenhagen before a cruise vacation. He stored all of his valuables in the safe.

Their valuables disappeared from the hotel safe — and so did the hotel safe

January 22, 2024July 2, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

How safe is the safe in your hotel room? If you’re Steve DeLucia, not as safe as you think.

PR disasters are nothing new to America's least-loved federal agency. It's worth paying attention to how the TSA reacts when things go wrong.

The truth about TSAs lines — and lies

January 22, 2024July 1, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

PR disasters are nothing new to America’s least-loved federal agency. But after a particularly bad week, it’s worth paying attention to how the agency reacts when things go horribly wrong.

Who is hunnyb62? The answer matters to Daniel Corcoran and a group of contributors to TripAdvisor’s Baltimore forum.

Does TripAdvisor have a problem with fake reviews?

January 22, 2024June 30, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Who is hunnyb62?

My dog chewed a corner off the front page of my husband's passport and we were concerned about having proper documentation.

When airlines misread passport rules, who pays?

January 22, 2024June 29, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

When Olga Parra’s dog chews part of her husband’s passport, they’re denied entry to Costa Rica. Is their airline to blame for letting them board the flight?

That wasn’t Citi’s come-on when it asked Jerry if he was interested in an affinity card that would help him collect American Airlines miles.

Who benefits the most from your airline affinity card? (That’s not a trick question)

January 22, 2024June 28, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Hey buddy, wanna sign up for a credit card?